Hopefully, once you've implemented all those money saving tips, you’ll have some money left over to start investing. Beth helps us figure out the basics of investing: where you should put your money, what kinds of risks are reasonable and why it might be safer to put at least some of your money in the stock market rather than just socking it away in a savings account or under a mattress. Tell us about your first experiences in the stock market. Did you pick safe investments, that have grown slowly?

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Beth Kobliner

@Jonnie: If your company doesn’t offer a 401(k) match, consider opening an IRA (Roth or fully deductible). If you’ve contributed up to the maximum to an IRA, consider buying I bonds. Although they’re paying 1.74% (low compared to recent yields), that’s still better than the rates you’ll find on most savings accounts. I have an entire chapter devoted to 401(k)’s and other retirement options in my book, Get a Financial Life. Good luck and visit bethkobliner.com for more help!

How many companies still match their employees' 401k contributions? According to the NYTimes, this number has decreased during the economic downturn. Can you please ask Beth if she still advises people to contribute to a 401k even if it is NOT matched by the employer? And if she does not advise that, please ask her what we should do so that we earn more than the appallingly low-rates of interest offered in savings accounts?